New York Beers: Discovering the Best Brews of the Empire State

New York is renowned for its diverse and dynamic craft beer scene. From innovative IPAs to classic lagers and experimental brews, the state’s breweries offer something for every palate.

Whether you’re in the bustling city or exploring upstate, New York’s craft beer scene is rich with exceptional options.

Here are ten of the best New York beers you absolutely must try.

1. Brooklyn Brewery’s “Brooklyn Lager”

Brooklyn Brewery’s Brooklyn Lager is a classic American Amber Lager known for its balanced and refreshing profile.

• Style: Amber Lager
• ABV: 5.2%
• Description: Crisp and clean with flavors of caramel malt, toasted bread, and a hint of floral hops.

2. Saranac Brewery’s “Pale Ale”

Saranac Brewery’s Pale Ale is a well-regarded beer with a balanced hop and malt character.

• Style: Pale Ale
• ABV: 5.0%
• Description: Light and hoppy with notes of citrus, pine, and a smooth malt backbone.

3. Other Half Brewing Co.’s “All Day IPA”

Other Half Brewing Co.’s All Day IPA is a popular session IPA with a hoppy and flavorful profile.

• Style: Session IPA
• ABV: 4.0%
• Description: Juicy and aromatic with flavors of grapefruit, pineapple, and a balanced bitterness.

4. Empire Brewing Co.’s “Cream Ale”

Empire Brewing Co.’s Cream Ale is a smooth and creamy beer that highlights the best of the style.

• Style: Cream Ale
• ABV: 5.0%
• Description: Smooth and light with notes of vanilla, malt, and a subtle hop bitterness.

5. Saranac Brewery’s “Black Forest”

Saranac Brewery’s Black Forest is a rich and flavorful Schwarzbier with deep malt character.

• Style: Schwarzbier
• ABV: 5.3%
• Description: Dark and smooth with flavors of roasted malt, coffee, and a touch of caramel.

6. Founders Brewing Co.’s “KBS”

Founders Brewing Co.’s KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout) is a renowned stout with complex flavors.

• Style: Stout
• ABV: 12.0%
• Description: Rich and full-bodied with notes of chocolate, coffee, and bourbon from barrel aging.

7. Brooklyn Brewery’s “Bel Air Sour”

Brooklyn Brewery’s Bel Air Sour is a refreshing and tart sour ale with fruity notes.

• Style: Sour Ale
• ABV: 5.8%
• Description: Tart and effervescent with flavors of citrus, green apple, and a light malt backbone.

8. Gun Hill Brewing Co.’s “Oatmeal Stout”

Gun Hill Brewing Co.’s Oatmeal Stout is a smooth and creamy stout with rich flavors.

• Style: Oatmeal Stout
• ABV: 6.0%
• Description: Creamy and full-bodied with notes of coffee, chocolate, and a hint of roasted oats.

9. Other Half Brewing Co.’s “DDH Citra IPA”

Other Half Brewing Co.’s DDH Citra IPA is a double dry-hopped IPA known for its intense hop flavors.

• Style: IPA
• ABV: 7.0%
• Description: Hoppy and juicy with dominant notes of tropical fruit, citrus, and a smooth finish.

10. Resurrection Aleworks’ “Resurrection IPA”

Resurrection Aleworks’ Resurrection IPA is a bold IPA with a complex hop profile.

• Style: IPA
• ABV: 6.5%
• Description: Aromatic and flavorful with notes of pine, grapefruit, and a balanced malt backbone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the flagship beer of Brooklyn Brewery?
Answer: Brooklyn Brewery’s Brooklyn Lager is a classic amber lager known for its balanced and refreshing profile.

What makes Other Half Brewing Co.’s All Day IPA special?
Answer: All Day IPA is a session IPA with a hoppy, juicy character and flavors of grapefruit and pineapple.

What are the key characteristics of Empire Brewing Co.’s Cream Ale?
Answer: Cream Ale is smooth and light, with notes of vanilla, malt, and a subtle hop bitterness.

What distinguishes Founders Brewing Co.’s KBS?
Answer: KBS (Kentucky Breakfast Stout) is a rich stout aged in bourbon barrels, featuring flavors of chocolate, coffee, and bourbon.

What is unique about Brooklyn Brewery’s Bel Air Sour?
Answer: Bel Air Sour is a tart and refreshing sour ale with fruity flavors of citrus and green apple.

Summary

New York’s craft beer scene is diverse and dynamic, showcasing a wide range of exceptional brews.

These top picks represent some of the best beers New York has to offer. Enjoy exploring the flavorful world of New York’s craft beer!